Book description
How would first contact--on earth, in space, on another planet--transform our understandings of technology, philosophy, and what it means to be human? What kind of cognitive dissonance would society experience, if we discovered a previously unrecognized sentience on Earth? What would life be like if it originated in a frigid ocean beneath an impenetrable shell of ice? Or on a world whose haze obscures any view of the universe beyond? Or on an unfathomable scale in the depths of space? Or . . .Life--beyond us.Dive in as the European Astrobiology Institute presents fifty-four original SF Stories and Science Essays on life, from microbial to macro, from automatic to sagacious. Each speculative story is followed by a professional essay illuminating the scientific underpinnings of the story and providing a new window into the cutting-edge knowledge about exploration for life in the universe.SF STORIES BY: Eugen Bacon, Gregory Benford, Renan Bernardo, Jana Bianchi, Tobias S. Buckell, Eric Choi, Julie E. Czerneda, Tessa Fisher, Simone Heller, Valentin D. Ivanov, Mary Robinette Kowal, Lisa Jenny Krieg (translated by Simone Heller), Geoffrey A. Landis, Rich Larson, Liu Yang (translated by Ladon Gao), Lucie Lukačovičová, Premee Mohamed, G. David Nordley, Malka Older, Deji Bryce Olukotun, Tomás Petrásek, Brian Rappatta, Arula Ratnakar, D.A. Xiaolin Spires, Bogi Takács, Peter Watts, and B. Zelkovich.SCIENCE ESSAYS BY: Jacques Arnould, William Bains, José A. Caballero, Dimitra Demertzi, Martina Dimoska, Tessa Fisher, Dennis Höning, Valentin D. Ivanov, Fabian Klenner, Nina Kopacz, Geoffrey A. Landis, Natuschka Lee, Ania Losiak, Stephen Francis Mann, Connor Martini, Tony Milligan, Philippe Nauny, Julie Nováková, Erik Persson, Tomás Petrásek, Joanna Piotrowska, Giovanni Poggiali, Amedeo Romagnolo, Stefano Sandrelli, Floris van der Tak, Jan Toman, Sheri Wells-Jensen, and Raymond M. WheelerINTRODUCTION BY: Stephen BaxterFOREWORD BY: Julie NovákováAFTERWORDS BY: Wolf D. Geppert; Lucas K. Law & Susan ForestEDITED BY: Julie Nováková, Lucas K. Law & Susan ForestPrevious anthologies by Laksa Media (Strangers Among Us, The Sum of Us, Where the Stars Rise, Shades Within Us, Seasons Between Us) have been recommended by Publishers Weekly, Booklist (American Library Association), Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Locus, Foreword Reviews, and Quill & Quire.
Apex
With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. ListenBook's audio filters have given me the power to tailor my listening experience to my preferences.
Celtic Charger
ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge. Great for listening to lectures and educational content. Very useful! Great for both casual listening and studying. The audio filters are a nice touch.
Sofa King
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. With this app, I've found a way to make long flights and road trips more enjoyable and enlightening. ListenBook has united my love for audiobooks with my passion for learning. What a brilliant app!
Devine Melon
🌟 Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app – it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! 📚🔥 Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
RiddleRover
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem.
Wild Hair
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature turns any environment into a cozy listening haven. Finally, an app that supports all audiobook formats. It's a dream come true for audiophiles like me. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
MysticMingle
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed – it's my form of meditation. ListenBook's dedication to enhancing the audiobook experience has made it my preferred app for listening to content on the go. ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else.
Club Nola
The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing – it's my relaxation therapy. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. The chapter navigation is a lifesaver. It makes finding my place so easy. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional. As someone who struggles to focus on audiobooks, this kept my attention the whole way through. The narrator's clear diction and expressive delivery were perfect.
Loot
I appreciate how ListenBook offers various methods for downloading audio – it caters to different preferences. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made multitasking with audio content a breeze. With ListenBook, downloading audiobooks has become hassle-free, thanks to the various download options.
Pluto
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Dropkick
I'm impressed by how much more I'm learning through audiobooks compared to traditional reading. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. Audiobook joy made simple – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook Pro has taken my audiobook experience to the next level. No regrets! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Queen Bee
Audiobooks have become my companions during long hours of household chores. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. Effortless and enriching – that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its smooth interface and thoughtful features redefine audiobook joy. 📱📖 ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks.
Racy Babe
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's design focuses on seamless interaction. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actor’s tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaints—just a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Moon Cricket
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. Audiobook excellence made simple – this app's functionality is a true asset.
QuestQuill
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Dangle
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers – it's my go-to source for literary adventures!
Mindless Bobcat
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. User-centric audiobook joy – this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Downloading over WiFi is super efficient. Saves a lot of time. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
3P-own
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
StorySculptor
Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app!
Mr. Spy
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience